These shiny black Alvar Aalto stools reminded us of just how great and versatile these simple classic stools are. In the open air Kauppatorifood market in Helsinki, where Aalto was from, the stools provide seating at just about every coffee stand. Before we knew who Aalto was, we were buying Ikea’s knock-off, the Frosta — which has four legs, not three like the original — because they were so stylish and useful, doubling as extra seating, stands or side tables. They are easily painted to take on more of a graphic presence.

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